Spring is in the air – the Kurdish celebration of Newroz
By Michael EJ Phillips
As the nights draw out, the land becomes greener by the day, flowers begin to bloom and a sense of renewed optimism fills us all, thoughts turn to the vernal equinox. This is the point – one of two – in the year when there are approximately equal periods of day and night, the other being six months later, in September. There are minor variations in the exact date, but the 21st March is generally accepted as the most commonly celebrated one for Newroz. In its literal sense, the meaning of the word is “new day”.
Festivals, commemorations and religious events at this particular time of year are central to many cultures and places, not least across the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia to name but three areas of the world. In the Christian tradition, it is Easter time; in the Babylonian tradition, we see Akitu as celebrated by the Assyrians; in the ancient European traditions there were pagan festivals among those such as the Norse and the Albanians; and for those from Central Asia to the Near East there is Newroz. These all have in common the concept of renewal, rebirth and renewed life. Mothers’ Day also falls neatly into these categories.
In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, bonfires and torches are often lit, as fire is a potent symbol of light: the end of winter, with the light of spring and summer to come. On the day itself, it is a chance for celebration, the wearing of new clothes, family gatherings, games and of course dancing. The most famous place associated with the celebration, particularly in recent years, is Akre. This city has become known as the capital of Newroz festivities.
It is worth mentioning that Newroz (or Nowruz to use the Persian – there are range of spellings depending on the particular language and context) was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009. Following that, the 21st March was proclaimed as the International Day of Nowruz by the General Assembly of the United Nations in recognition of the fact that it holds at heart the concepts of peace, unity and renewal.
In his video message for the occasion, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, said, “As the world renews itself this spring, let us remember that every new year, and every day, is a chance for a new start; a chance to do things differently; an opportunity to build a better world.” He also spoke of the need for commitment “to peace, dialogue and mutual respect.”
Such values reflect the core principles of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, under its President Nechirvan Barzani. In an ethnically and religiously diverse society, tolerance, harmony and cohesion result if these basic tenets are followed. This year, the celebration of Newroz also coincides with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when Allah first sent down the Quran to Mohammed. It is thus especially fitting to consider the clear links between those values promoted by Islam, the concepts of peace, forgiveness and charity which are of even more significance in Ramadan, and this year’s message by the UN Secretary-General. As President Nechirvan Barzani stated, "Newroz is a symbol of freedom, renewal, and resilience—a festival that represents hope, determination, revival, and resistance, with a vision for a brighter future. Just as the Newroz flame has long inspired the people of Kurdistan, it now stands as a renewed call for unity, understanding, and collaboration to safeguard our constitutional rights, achievements, federal status, and political identity."
Let us therefore go forward this spring, reminding ourselves of why the vernal equinox holds so much greater significance than simply the beginning of a “new day” or season in the year.
Kurdish people celebrating with torches on the eve of Newroz in Akre
